Pilates pronounced "Puh-Lah-Tees” is a unique form of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates. Joseph was a very keen sportsman who developed this method through a huge variety of sports including gymnastics, martial arts and yoga.
Having suffered from illness during his adolescence, Joseph understood that he needed to keep his body fit and strong. He designed a system that worked for his own body, which became known as the Pilates method. Joseph started teaching the Pilates Method and nursed ill people back to health believing they needed to keep moving and not be confined to their beds. . In the 1920's he moved to New York and set up his own studio that soon attracted the city's elite with actors, dancers and athletes. His exercises perfected and complemented his clients' traditional programme and catered for their individual needs of building strength without adding bulk and balancing that strength with flexibility. Pilates is recommended by doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. In just 8O years the number of people practicing Pilates worldwide is estimated to be nearly 15 million, with over 15,000 instructors. Joseph Pilates’ legacy lives on. |